DIY Victorian-era Photo Session
The strange and peculiar.
I had some dated backdrops that I didn’t want to toss, so I gave them a DIY update. As I was mid-process, I then came up with a fun photo session idea. Outdoor gothic meets Victorian-era photos, here we come!
My favorite medium for updating something is usually a good ole can of spray paint. I went to the shed and grabbed a few different colors to mix up. I needed to cover a white and grey chevron pattern. Awe, the mid-2000s style. Backdrops are pricey, so I wanted to repurpose this one, and the result was pretty perfect.
I had my model do some smudgy makeup and put on a Halloween costume. Luckily, she brought some fun props too. Black lacey umbrella? Yes, please!
If you’d like to watch the spray paint process, you can watch my Instagram reel here. It was quick and painless. I used rocks to hold down and help flatten the backdrop. I sprayed different colors layering them, and added texture spray paint at the end. You can still see the chevron print in a few areas, but I’m not bothered by it. It adds extra interest.
Hello darkness, my old friend...
I let the paint dry for 24hrs, then the next day, I set up a Victorian-style “living room”. I used a tiny vintage chair, two oval picture frames, a candle, a birdcage, and of course a doiley to cover the makeshift side table. If you click the link above, you can watch me set it up.
I chose a shaded spot underneath a huge tree. Normally, I don’t love dappled light, but it worked for these images. I was very happy with the turnout and so was my model. Yay!!
Sorry mummy, I had to set the bird free.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes reel of me taking her photos. She had fun and we couldn’t stop laughing. There’s never anything serious happening when I’m behind the camera.
Okay, make a serious face. "I can't!"
Do you love a DIY photo session? What else would you have added for props? Would you like to schedule a Gothic or Victorian-era photo session with me? I’d love to create some eerie images with you.
Cheers,
Annette
